Case of Enterovirus Paralysis Reported in Michigan

A child in Washtenaw County has become the latest to be diagnosed with the D 68 strain of the Enterovirus and is showing signs of partial paralysis.

Case of Enterovirus Paralysis Reported in Michigan

MLive.com is reporting that the child, who is not even a year-old yet, was hospitalized after developing problems in its lower extremities.

Dr. Dean Seinko, who served as the State Medical Examiner and is currently serving in the military in a health-related capacity, said the numbers of the virus are up from years past, but we shouldn't panic--but rather be vigilant..

Seinko said parents should seek medical treatment as a precaution if a child--especially under the age of 5--shows signs of having difficulty breathing, wheezing, a racing heart rate and a fever.

The article indicates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tested 34 people in Michigan for the virus and 25 tested positive.

Most of the case have led to hospitalization.

While cases of the Enterovirus are reasonably common, the D 68 strain can cause neurological symptoms like paralysis or other limb weakness.

The virus is spread through close contact with an infected person. Cases have been reported so far in 41 states and Washington, D. C.

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